RECEPTION staff are baffled over the mysterious appearance of a gang of cuddly toys in Dorset County Hospital.

Cuddly monkeys, fluffy frogs and huggable hedgehogs have been turning up at Dorset County Hospital for the last few weeks - and nobody knows how they got there.

Hospital staff said the toys that have been left in the reception area may eventually find their way up to the Kingfisher children's ward but they will be sad to see them go. The toy invasions have become a regular feature and their faces are recognisable all over the hospital.

Receptionist, Shirley Kerslake said: "It started several months ago when the whole reception area was freshly decorated. A gorilla, a monkey, four frogs, a hedgehog, a giraffe and four gnomes are among the many toys that have so far been left in the main entrance."

She said staff do not know how they got there but the animals were brightening up the atmosphere and there are currently no plans to remove them. She added: "It's fun and both parents and staff like it. It's always a talking point, especially with children."

Hospital spokesperson Anna Jenkins said: "It isn't just cuddly toys, toy models have also been turning up in the same bizarre circumstances. We don't know how they got there, whether it is staff or patients bringing them in, the children on Kingfisher ward are very grateful."